For Amy Adams, a recent milestone birthday has brought about a remarkable transformation. This year, as she turned 50, a newfound sense of liberation began to take hold. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE this week, she shared her profound insights.

The Impact of a Daring New Role

In the new dramedy "Nightbitch", Adams delves deep into the shadows of new motherhood. Playing an unmoored character simply named Mother, she battles an imploded sense of self after welcoming her first child. Trying to find herself again while dealing with the isolation of childcare and an absent husband (played by Scoot McNairy), Mother seemingly undergoes a strange transformation. Adams emphasizes, "I think that journey of really tapping into self and embracing the ferocity of our feelings and love for our children, without apology, is a wonderful place to be." The film's no-holds-barred style, from her own exhaustion after an intense London play to real chin hairs ("they were going to use prosthetic hair, and I was like, 'I can do better than that'), helped her find that much-needed acceptance. "This is what I'm working on today. Not having those unrealistic expectations for myself."

Finding Balance in Motherhood and Work

Adams recalls finding her own rhythm with motherhood and work when her daughter Aviana was around three or four, roughly after filming "American Hustle". She firmly established a thought, saying, "I am going to find balance between work and life and be truly present in parenting." She added, "I just decided, 'I'm going to do this differently and create a work-life balance that supports me.' This balance has been crucial in her life.

Keeping Boundaries for Her Daughter

As Adams continues to expand her career, she is very conscious of her daughter's experience. When "Nightbitch" had its international premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, she had a rare red carpet moment with Aviana and her husband Darren Le Gallo. She said, "I do think about my daughter's experience with [a role] being out there. So I find myself setting boundaries, always considering how being a public person impacts her."

Embracing the Fun of the Season

With six Oscar nominations to her name, Adams is now once again earning awards buzz. She embraces the fun of the season, stating, "I always lean into what's really wonderful about it because I get to interact with people I wouldn't have otherwise. Like having a recent sit-down discussion with Demi Moore and a reunion with her 'Arrival' director Denis Villeneuve. Whatever the outcome, I'm just happy to have these moments with different people I've met or reconnected with."For more of Amy Adams's interview, pick up this week's issue of PEOPLE on newsstands Friday.